The Department for Education has published non-statutory guidance for schools and colleges on responding to requests to social transition. The comprehensive guidance for teachers provides advice on how best to support pupils questioning their gender in schools.
The proposed draft provides guidance and practical support for schools and colleges, including:
- supporting children who are questioning their gender
- protecting children from bullying or abuse
- maintaining child safety and wellbeing
The draft guidance clarifies that schools and colleges do not have to, and should not, accept all requests for social transition. Where a school considers a request, they should take a very cautious approach, including watchful waiting periods, and ensuring parents are fully consulted before any decision is taken.
From the outset, schools and colleges should also consider the context and seriousness of the request including whether social influence is involved.
In exceptional cases where a request to social transition is agreed, children, teachers or staff at a school should not be required to adopt the use of preferred pronouns and there must be no sanction, verbal or otherwise. Where a teacher or child does not adopt the new pronouns, they should use the child’s preferred name. Schools should ensure that bullying is never tolerated.